Wanderlust

An Eccentric Explorer, an Epic Journey, a Lost Age

By: Reid Mitenbuler

Narrated by: Peter Noble

Length: 19 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

The mesmerizing, larger-than-life tale of an eccentric adventurer who traversed some of the greatest frontiers of the twentieth century, from uncharted Arctic wastelands to the underground resistance networks of World War II.

Deep in the Arctic wilderness, Peter Freuchen awoke to find himself buried alive under the snow. During a sudden blizzard the night before, he had taken shelter underneath his dogsled and become trapped there while he slept. Now, as feeling drained from his body, he managed to claw a hole through the ice only to find himself in even greater danger: his beard, wet with condensation from his struggling breath, had frozen to his sled runners and lashed his head in place, exposing it to icy winds that needed only a few minutes to kill him… But if Freuchen could escape that, he could escape anything.

Freuchen’s life seemed ripped from the pages of an adventure novel—and provided fodder for many books of his own. A wildly eccentric Dane with an out-of-nowhere sense of humor, his insatiable curiosity drove him from the twilight years of Arctic exploration to the Golden Age of Hollywood, and from the burgeoning field of climate research to the Danish underground during World War II. He conducted jaw-dropping expeditions, survived a Nazi prison camp, and overcame a devastating injury that robbed him of his foot and very nearly his life. Through it all, he was guided not only by restlessness but also by ideals that were remarkably ahead of his time, championing Indigenous communities, environmental stewardship, and starting conversations that continue today.

Meticulously researched and grippingly written, Wanderlust is an unforgettable tale of daring and discovery, an inspiring portrait of restlessness and grit, and a powerful meditation on our relationship to the planet and our fellow human beings. Reid Mitenbuler’s exquisite book restores a heroic giant of the last century back into public view.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 Reid Mitenbuler (P)2023 HarperCollins Publishers

Excellent

An incredible story about a very unusual person who cared about the world and people around him. Great narrator, the only negative was that the book was over too soon.

what an interesting guy!

I didn't know anything about Fruchen before this but he was ak big part of all my favorite non fiction interests. his life makes a great story

Wanderlust… my thoughts

This book was recommended to me by a friend. I was mesmerized by this man and his journey. Seldom do I have tears in my eyes … but I did at the end of his journey… inspirational spirit. A great and good human being

The reader did this story justice. My gratitude

Worth the time!

The cover fits the character! Peter Freuchen was bigger than life - more experiences than several men combined. There are a few “R” rated events but with a life so full of experiences - it’s going to happen. My only disappointment is there is not one picture included in the 40+ pages of accompanying PDF. Nor does it tell you the name of the lady on the cover. I will probably get the Kindle version just for the pictures. Enjoy!

Felt like I was on the journey with him

I wasn’t searching for a biography on an explorer I didn’t know, but took the chance as it was in a 2 for 1 sale.

I loved it!

Incredibly well written and performed. This man’s life was a true tale to tell and I’m very impressed with the way in which this writer put it all together.

Inspiration and adventure from a lost age of exploration

Okay, I will be frank: I picked this up on a whim from a 2 for 1 sale. Boy was I pleasantly surprised! Freuchen’s “9 lives” as an Arctic explorer, lecturer, film actor, journalist, freedom fighter, and writer takes the reader into a wonderful tale of transitional history for humanity through a 6’5” “Viking” that inspires, shocks, and humors the reader. The author and narration seemlessly ties the stories together into one amazing journey. If you are into early 20th century history, Exploration and Scientific Discovery, and storytelling, then this is for you….. it may inspire and ignite your own wanderlust!

Amazingly in-depth look at an amazing person.

I loved this book! Like many, I'd heard of Freuchen but didn't know even the beginning of the amazing life he lived. Mitenbuler takes on the Herculean task of summarizing one of the most full lives lives by any person and succeeds marvelously. He captures the good and bad of a messy life lived to the extreme during a tumultuous time in history in gripping prose that was both heartfelt anc riveting.

Excellent

Great story. I'm a huge fan of adventure biographies. This one didn't disappoint. There was plenty of material about this exceptional individual. I found it interesting he came to many of the same conclusions as I have. It's sad how American / western commercialism is ruining places today. For me seeing the shopping malls going up in Hanoi for example is disheartening. I disagree with the author giving Roosevelt and the new deal credit for all good things that happened. It's quite obvious that many of those programs prolonged the great depression. Another somewhat irritating thing is the way the global warming argument is inserted. It's an easy way too end important conversations about pollution and over consumption. The planet has been warming continuously since the end of the little ice age. Many explorers and people have commented on this phenomenon. I feel like it was the weakest part of the book. The idiocy of burning a car or pollution in the ocean stands on it's own. This is personal because I'm currently seeing a mountain bulldozed and criss crossed with ski runs for a new luxury ski resort. Which is somehow acceptable to the rich left leaning Park City residents. Nearby Al Gore has a huge house with a heated driveway. While the good old small minded Republican natives slave away at their 7-5 jobs in order to put a little gas in their vehicles. These are important and complicated issues. I myself like to travel and visit other cultures. The jet airliner isn't very good for the environment either. But like the protagonist in this story, It's something I'll continue to do. Sorry for the rant. This is a wonderful book, the narrator did a great job. I'm skeptical the protagonist knew what was causing the warming. Im skeptical in our full knowledge of it. But we can document it and simplify our lives too leave as small a footprint as possible.

Entertaining and educational

Enjoyed this book immensely. Don’t have to be a adventurer or world traveler to appreciate this autobiography. Narrator is one of the best!

This is an extraordinary book

It’s just the best. I am so glad to have learned about this most remarkable person and I thank the author and the narrator. Just remarkable, all of it.